Potato pancakes are a beloved comfort food worldwide, offering a perfect balance of crispy edges and a soft, flavorful interior.
Whether you’re looking for a classic potato pancake recipe, a sweet potato version, or a German-style variation, this guide will teach you everything you need to know to make the best potato pancakes.
From traditional Jewish latkes to German Kartoffelpuffer, potato pancakes have a rich history and endless variations. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a side dish for dinner.
In this post, you’ll learn how to make them from scratch, plus expert tips to ensure they turn out crispy and delicious every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Potato pancakes are more than just another way to enjoy potatoes—they’re a crispy, golden masterpiece. Here’s why you’ll love making this recipe:
✔ Crispy on the outside, soft inside – The perfect contrast in textures.
✔ Uses simple, everyday ingredients – You probably have everything in your kitchen already.
✔ Versatile and customizable – Works with regular or sweet potatoes, and you can even make them vegan.
✔ Perfect for any meal – Serve for breakfast, as a snack, or a side dish.
✔ Pairs well with a variety of toppings – Enjoy with sour cream, applesauce, smoked salmon, or even avocado.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the classic potato pancakes recipe, you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled
- 1 small onion, grated
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or matzo meal for traditional latkes)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder (for extra crispiness)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- For a sweet potato pancake recipe – Swap the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes.
- For a vegan potato pancake recipe – Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).
- For a mashed potato pancake recipe – Use 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes instead of raw potatoes.
- For a German potato pancake recipe – Add ½ tsp nutmeg and 1 tbsp applesauce to the batter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Grate the potatoes and onion using a box grater or food processor. A food processor will save time and effort.
- Squeeze out excess moisture by placing the grated mixture in a clean kitchen towel and wringing out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for crispy pancakes.
2. Mix the Batter
- In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onion with the egg, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and baking powder.
- Stir well until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky but not too wet.
3. Fry to Perfection
- Heat ¼ inch of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Take ¼ cup of the potato mixture and flatten it into a pancake shape.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot with sour cream, applesauce, or chives for a classic touch.
- Try adding smoked salmon, crème fraîche, or even a poached egg for a gourmet twist.
Expert Tips for Success
✅ Use the right potatoes – Russet potatoes work best because of their high starch content, making them crispy. Yukon Golds can work too, but avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes.
✅ Remove moisture – If your pancakes are soggy instead of crispy, you likely didn’t squeeze out enough liquid from the potatoes.
✅ Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in batches, leaving space between each pancake so they crisp up properly.
✅ Adjust the heat as needed – If the pancakes brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly to ensure they cook through without burning.
✅ Use a cast-iron skillet – It retains heat well and helps achieve the crispiest results.
✅ Keep them warm – If making a big batch, place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while frying the rest.
Delicious Variations to Try
1. German Potato Pancakes Recipe (Kartoffelpuffer)
German-style potato pancakes are very similar to traditional latkes but sometimes include nutmeg and applesauce in the batter for a unique flavor.
How to make them:
- Follow the classic recipe but add ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg and 1 tablespoon applesauce to the batter.
- Serve with sour cream and fresh chives or traditional German apple sauce.
2. Jewish Potato Pancakes Recipe (Latkes)
Latkes are traditionally served during Hanukkah and have a slightly different texture.
How to make them:
- Replace flour with matzo meal for a more authentic Jewish potato pancake recipe.
- Fry in schmaltz (rendered chicken fat) for a deeper flavor.
3. Easy Potato Pancake Recipe with Mashed Potatoes
Using mashed potatoes instead of grated potatoes makes a softer, fluffier pancake that’s just as delicious.
How to make them:
- Use 1 cup mashed potatoes instead of raw grated potatoes.
- Mix with 1 egg, 2 tbsp flour, and seasonings, then fry as usual.
Best Toppings for Potato Pancakes
Potato pancakes taste amazing on their own, but adding toppings takes them to the next level. Here are some delicious options:
- Classic: Sour cream and applesauce
- Savory: Smoked salmon, chives, crème fraîche
- Cheesy: Shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or feta
- Spicy: Hot sauce, jalapeños, or chili flakes
- Breakfast-style: Topped with a fried or poached egg
FAQs
1. Can I Make Potato Pancakes Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make them ahead and store them:
- Refrigerator – Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Freeze for up to 3 months in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag.
2. What’s the Best Oil for Frying Potato Pancakes?
Use oils with a high smoke point like:
- Vegetable oil
- Canola oil
- Avocado oil
3. Can I Bake Potato Pancakes Instead of Frying?
Yes! Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as fried ones, but they’re still delicious.
4. Why Are My Potato Pancakes Soggy?
- You didn’t squeeze out enough moisture from the grated potatoes.
- The oil wasn’t hot enough before frying.
- You overcrowded the pan, causing them to steam instead of fry.
Final Thoughts
Potato pancakes are an easy, delicious, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re making a classic potato pancake recipe, a sweet potato variation, or a German potato pancake recipe, these crispy treats are sure to impress.
Try experimenting with different flavors, toppings, and even cooking methods to find your favorite version.
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